A billing specialist for a law firm plays a crucial role in managing the financial aspects of the firm's operations. Here are some key responsibilities and skills associated with this role:
Primary Responsibilities:
- Invoice Preparation: Generate and send out invoices to clients, ensuring accuracy and adherence to the firm's billing policies.
- Timekeeping Management: Monitor and manage attorneys' time entries, ensuring all billable hours are recorded accurately.
- Payment Processing: Oversee the collection of payments, process transactions, and manage accounts receivable.
- Client Communication: Address client inquiries regarding billing issues, discrepancies, and payment status.
- Reporting: Prepare financial reports, including revenue forecasts and aging reports for management.
- Compliance: Ensure adherence to legal billing regulations and guidelines, such as ABA and state bar rules.
- Software Proficiency: Utilize billing software (like Clio, Timeslips, or Bill4Time) to manage invoices and payments effectively.
- Record Keeping: Maintain organized records of invoices, payments, and correspondence for audit purposes.
Required Skills:
- Attention to Detail: Precision is vital in billing to prevent errors that can affect client trust and revenue.
- Communication Skills: Ability to clearly explain billing processes and resolve issues with clients and colleagues.
- Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze billing data and identify trends or discrepancies.
- Organizational Skills: Manage multiple accounts and deadlines efficiently.
- Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with legal billing software and Microsoft Excel for financial tracking.
Qualifications:
- Education: Typically requires an associate’s degree or higher, preferably in finance, accounting, or a related field.
- Experience: Previous experience in billing, accounting, or finance, preferably in a legal setting, is advantageous.
1. Previous Billing Experience
- Duration: At least 1-3 years of experience in billing or accounting roles.
- Field: Experience in a legal environment is highly beneficial, as it familiarizes you with law firm billing practices and terminology.
2. Familiarity with Legal Billing Software
- Proficiency in software such as Smokeball, Clio, Timeslips, Bill4Time, or similar tools is often required. Familiarity with general accounting software (like QuickBooks) can also be useful.
3. Understanding of Legal Procedures and Terminology
- Basic knowledge of legal processes, terminology, and compliance standards helps in accurately processing billing and communicating with attorneys and clients.
4. Accounting or Finance Background
- A degree in finance, accounting, or a related field is often preferred. Practical experience in accounts receivable and accounts payable processes is also valuable.
5. Customer Service Skills
- Experience in customer service or client relations can be beneficial, as the role often involves direct communication with clients regarding billing inquiries.
6. Attention to Detail and Analytical Skills
- Prior roles that required meticulous data management or analytical problem-solving can enhance your suitability for the position.
7. Organizational Skills
- Experience in roles that required multitasking and organization, such as administrative or project management positions, can be advantageous.
Additional Certifications (Optional)
- While not always required, certifications in billing, such as Certified Professional Biller (CPB) or other finance-related credentials, can enhance your qualifications.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $72,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
- Work from home
Physical Setting:
Schedule:
Experience:
- Microsoft Excel: 1 year (Required)
- AR and AP: 1 year (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Washington, DC 20006: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20006